If you are looking for a classic margarita on the rocks recipe you have come to the right place! This classic margarita follows a 2:1:1 ratio, using two parts tequila, one part triple sec, and one part lime juice for a perfectly balanced cocktail.

Margarita on the rocks with salted rim and lime garnish.

Margaritas are my favorite cocktail. They have a perfect balance of sour, bitter, and sweet flavors that you really don’t find in any other cocktail. Plus, they are easy to make.

From pink margaritas to Hawaiian margaritas, I have shared several margarita flavor variations on the blog in the past, today I want to get back to the basics with the perfect classic margarita recipe.

Whether it’s a casual night in with some chips and guacamole or a festive Cinco de Mayo party, a classic lime margarita is always a hit!

Why you’ll love this recipe

Quick – Comes together in less than 5 minutes.
Easy – All you really need are 3 ingredients: the rest are optional.
Delicious – Refreshing and well-balanced taste.

Classic Margarita Ingredients

This section includes ingredient notes and substitution options. Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable recipe card at the end of this post.

Tequila, Triple Sec, simple syrup, coarse salt, limes.

Silver Tequila – A great margarita starts with a high-quality silver tequila (aka tequila blanco). I like to look for “100% Agave” on the label.
Triple Sec – Another orange liqueur such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier work to add citrus flavor too.
Fresh Limes – Lime juice is used in the cocktail, a wedge of lime for rimming the glass, and a lime slice as a garnish.
Simple Syrup –Optional, adds sweetness to balance the otherwise tart cocktail. Agave syrup (aka agave nectar) can be used as well.
Coarse Salt – Optional, for rimming the glass. Coarse kosher salt, coarse sea salt, or Margarita salt are all great options.
Ice Cubes– Can’t be served “on the rocks” without them.

Homemade Simple Syrup

To make your own simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan, heat until the sugar dissolves completely, then cool before using.

Supplies

cocktail shaker – honestly, if you don’t have a cocktail shaker you can get away with stirring the cocktail very well in a glass.
jigger – makes easy work of measuring the ingredients
lemon/lime juicer – optional, but helpful.
Margarita glass or rocks glass.

How to Make a Margarita on the Rocks

This section shows you how to make the recipe with step-by-step photos and instructions. For the full printable recipe, see the recipe card below.

Four image collage showing a glass being dipped in coarse salt and bottles of tequila, triple sec, and simple syrup being added to a cocktail shaker.

Rim glass: Run a lime wedge along the rim of the glass and dip in coarse salt.
Mix & Chill: Add ice, tequila, triple sec, fresh lime juice, and simple syrup to a cocktail shake. Shake for about 15-20 seconds.
Serve: Pour margarita mix into glass over fresh ice. Garnish with a lime wheel or lime wedge, if desired.

Classic margarita on the rocks with lime garnish and salted rim. Bottles of alcohol and fresh limes can be seen in background.

Tips for the Best Margaritas

Chill your glasses in the freezer for a few minutes beforehand for extra cold cocktails.
Don’t be tempted to use bottled lime juice. It may be easier but for the best taste use fresh lime juice.
Adjust the level of sweetness by adding simple syrup to taste.

Recipe variations

Spicy Margarita: Muddle a slice of jalapeño in the shaker before adding the other ingredients, then rim the glass with Tajín for a spicky kick.
Blended Margarita. Blend the ingredients with ice for a frozen margarita.
Fruity Margarita: Mix in a bit of fresh orange juice or grapefruit juice.

More Homemade Margritas

Recipe

Classic margarita on the rocks with lime garnish and salted rim.

Recipe

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Classic Margarita

Author: Jaclyn

Prep: 5

Total: 5

This classic margarita on the rocks recipe follows a 2:1:1 ratio, using two parts tequila, one part triple sec, and one part lime juice for a perfectly balanced cocktail.

Equipment

cocktail shaker and jigger set
lime juicer optional

Ingredients

▢ 2 ounces tequila
▢ 1 ounce triple sec
▢ 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice
▢ ½ ounce simple syrup or to taste
▢ ice cubes
▢ lime wedge and coarse salt for rimming the glass

Instructions

To rim the glass, rub a lime wedge around the rim of your glass and then dip it into a shallow bowl of coarse salt.
To a cocktail shaker, add a few ice cubes, tequila, triple sec, lime juice, and simple syrup. Cover and shake vigorously for about 15 seconds to chill and combine.
Fill the prepared glass with fresh ice. Strain the margarita into the glass. Garnish with fresh lime before serving, if desired.

Notes

In a pinch, you can mix your cocktail without a cocktail shaker. Pour the ingredients into a glass and stir vigorously with a long-handled spoon.